Google Maps allows users to make their own maps, such as this collection from House Divided. This FAQ will review the basic steps to create a map on Google Maps.

You can always learn more about how to use Google Maps through their user guide. Or we have created a short video tutorial that you might find even more effective for learning how to create custom-made history-oriented maps on your own.

Creating maps on Google Maps

1. LogIn – If you have a Google account, go to Google Maps and login. If not, you will need to create one in order to make a map.

2. Create Map -Look for the “My Maps” link on left side of the page, which is located directly below the Google Maps logo. After clicking on that link, you can create a new map. All of the maps you create will appear here in the left column.

3. Privacy Options – If you don’t want your map to be public, select the “unlisted” option for your map.

4. Collaborate After you create a map, click on the “Collaborate” to invite other people with Google Accounts to help work on the map. You can learn more about this feature on Google’s user guide.

House Divided Project

Dickinson College students and staff are creating a wide variety of resources to commemorate the 150th anniversary of both the Civil War (2011-15) and Reconstruction (2015-27) in order to help America’s classrooms learn more about this turbulent era.